Dental Staff

Dentist in Santa Rosa Beach and DeFuniak Spring, FL

If you’re looking for a dentist in Santa Rosa Beach or DeFuniak Springs, we’re here to make your smile bright through a wide-range of comprehensive dental services from orthodontics to laser dentistry and full mouth reconstruction.

At Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics, we have the experience, education, facilities and technology at hand to provide the best in oral health care. From providing comfortable services to calming your child’s nerves, we’ll make you smile. It’s what we do.

Michael O'Donnell, DMD

Dentist in Santa Rosa Beach, FL

Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics

Dr. Michael O’Donnell opened Great Florida Smiles & Orthodontics in 2005. With offices conveniently located in both Santa Rosa Beach and DeFuniak Springs, he is able to serve patients throughout Northwest Florida.

Dr. O’Donnell is a graduate of the University of Florida College of Dentistry, a national leader in dental education, research and service. He traveled across the country to continue his education at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. This institute is the world-renowned educational center for aesthetic and neuromuscular dentistry. Additionally, Dr. O’Donnell received Laser Dentistry training at the World Clinical Laser Institute in Huntington Beach, CA. The expertise he gained has translated into beautiful results for his patients.

Dr. O’Donnell is actively involved in the evolution of Aesthetic Dentistry. He was one of three dentists selected from over 400 doctors to attend the Leading Dentist Forum which focuses on the latest dental advancements in full mouth reconstruction. He is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Florida Academy of General Dentistry, International Orthodontic Association, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. O’Donnell built his practice through referrals and a solid reputation with the community. He is a member of the Destin Area Chamber of Commerce, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, BNI-Destin Business Builders and the Kiwanis Club of DeFuniak Springs. He strongly believes in giving back to the community sharing his time and talents with the Children’s Volunteer Health Network and supporting other area organizations.

Dr. O’Donnell and his team utilize the highest quality of standards and the latest cutting-edge techniques and materials. Ninety-nine percent of procedures are completed in-house from oral surgery to root canals to orthodontics and complete smile makeovers. Our goal is to ensure every experience at our office offers you total comfort and peace of mind. Our caring, compassionate and personal care enable even the most fearful patients to attain the smile of their dreams.

When he is not enhancing smiles, Dr. O’Donnell enjoys boating, flying and spending as much quality time as possible with his lovely wife, Lan, beautiful daughters, Haley and Megan and the newest addition of twins Mike, Jr. and Layla.

Chris Farrugia, D.D.S.

Bio Coming Soon

Mai Huynh - Front Office

Mai joined Great Florida Smiles in 2008 after selling her restaurant, where she prepared homemade southern cooking for 15 years, and after relocating to the beautiful Emerald Coast from Birmingham. She brings with her an extensive background in the financial industry. Mai’s favorite part of her job is the day-to-day interaction with patients. In her leisure time, Mai enjoys cooking, shopping and spending quality time with her family.

Kerri Papajohn

Kerri joined Great Florida Smiles in 2014 and is our go-to gal for all community involvement. She loves to hear from our patients and Emerald Coast residents. Please contact her if you have a testimonial, questions regarding exclusive services like the Solea Laser, or for anyone wishing to achieve their dream smile via our competitively priced orthodontics!

Amber Archer - Front Office

Amber makes patients feel at home right when they walk through the door. "I worked with Dr. Mike and Dr. Lan when they first opened their practice on Mack Bayou Rd. for two years," recalls Amber. "I love being part of a close-knit team where we are helping to make people’s lives better." She has over a 10-year history in banking from starting in the Bookkeeping Department and leaving as a Sr Financial Service Rep. Her time outside of work is spent with her children, a 5-year-old daughter, and a 3-year son.

Andreah Bearinger - Dental Assistant

Andreah has been with our practice a little over 2 years. "I love that every day is different, my coworkers and boss are absolutely fantastical, and our patients are amazing," exclaims Andreah. She loves to travel, bake, and has a wide array of ongoing creative projects from restoring furniture and homes to painting art. She also has a knack for creating fun pamper products. She always has a smiling face and is our poster employee for a TMJ/TMD treatment success story. Ask her about her testimonial - it's AMAZING!

Jennifer Sorensen

Jennifer joined Great Florida Smiles in June 2016 after moving back to her hometown of Fort Walton Beach. After graduating from Pensacola State with a degree in Dental Hygiene, Jennifer is continuing her education with a bachelors in Healthcare Management. As a Registered Dental Hygienist, her main goal at our office is to ease her patients that might suffer from dental anxiety. Jennifer's hobbies include cake decorating and cheering on her favorite football team on Saturdays

Kristi Cardwell - Dental Hygienist

Kristi grew up in Jackson Tennessee and move to the emerald coast 3 years ago. She has been in the dental field for 15 years. She graduated from the university or Tennessee with a bachelors degree in dental hygiene. She is conscientious when dealing with patients concerns and finding creative and expedient ways to ease their dental anxieties. She enjoys establishing a rapport with her patients and improving their overall health. Kristi and her husband live in Santa Rosa with their 2 children and love spending time outdoors.

Sherrie Mathews - Orthodontic Assistant

Sherrie is a native of Callahan, Florida. She has been a Dental/Orthodontic Assistant since 1985. Sherrie and her husband Tony have two children Elizabeth and Schuyler. She has one grandchild named Axl and another to arrive in October. Sherrie loves spending her time off with Axl or watching football and NASCAR races. Sherrie has been working at Great Florida Smiles and Orthodontics since moving to the area in October of 2014. She finds the most rewarding part of her job is seeing the change in her patients' confidence with their improved smiles.

Sarah Powers

Sarah joined our staff in 2017. Originally from Metairie, Louisiana, she has lived in the Florida Panhandle for the last 10 years. "I vacationed from Pensacola to Panama City Beach and everywhere in between throughout my childhood. I am so thankful to now call it home!" Sarah has worked in the medical industry her entire professional career and is fascinated about it's constant evolution. Though you will typically find her in the O'Donnell Eye Institute, she also assist our patients in the dental office. Outside of work she enjoys any excuse to throw a party, her favorite being one of her husband's Saturday crawfish boils!

Lacey Schultz

Lacey joined Great Florida Smiles in January of 2018 after relocating to Florida from Georgia with her boyfriend during his service in the Navy. Lacey has four years of Chairside Assisting experience and is eager to continue to learn more in depth specialties that Dr. Mike provides such as Orthodontics and TMJ. “Team work at GFS is evident! I could not have hoped for a better team environment. Everyone makes you feel at home and ensures patients are delivered the best care” says Lacey. She enjoys spending her time off antiquing for rare books, visiting family in Georgia, and exploring Florida State Parks with her Sailor and two dogs.